Rummy games played all over the world in many different countries, played by all ages males and females. In every country the game Rummy called differently, for example: in Italy this game called Ramino or Scala Quaranta, in Turkey – Okey, in UK – Kalooki and so on… also in every country the history changes.
In this article we are going to talk about the background and history of Rummy game, how it becomes so popular, the different theories of how this game born.

Rummy game belong to the series of “Draw and Discard” card games, while in every turn one card drawing in the beginning and one card discarding in the end of every turn.
The main is goal is to be the first player who laid down all the cards in melds on the table.

Many theories were sound about the history of Rummy game, where this game born and who’s the one who invents this game, it’s all depend who you listening to.
The game Mahjong invented in China during the 18th century, very similar game to the game we all know – Rummy, but since then many other versions were invented in the west world, versions that were born from the game Mahjong.

The ‘Conquian’ theory:

Many of the Rummy versions flowing from the game ‘Conquian’ that invented in Mexico thousands years ago and came to America through the Spanish immigrates.
Many people claim that from the game ‘Conquian’ born the most popular Rummy version today in United States – the Gin Rummy game. First the game was shown in Texas – US in the late years of 1800.
In the beginning everybody in America thought that the game called: ‘Concan’, other versions also called: ‘Con-Can’, ‘Conqin’ and ‘Conking’. But the original name of the game called ‘Conquian’ and came from Mexico.

During the time, the game ‘Conquian’ arrived to England as well and soon they called it ‘Ram’, this word in England means something different, strange, unfamiliar and even mystery. When the travelers came from America to England back and forward many times, the game got his final name – ‘Rummy’.
Another theory with the name ‘Conquian’ said that the game actually born in US in place called – ‘Con-Can’ and arrived south to Mexico there it called ‘Conquian’, while the Mexican wanted to maintain this name so the closest sound in Spanish for it was ‘Conquian’.

The Whiskey Poker theory:

According to this theory the history of Rummy game become from the poker game and started at the French settlers in America. This theory proves the connection between both games poker and Rummy for example: set in Rummy could also be three of a kind in poker, or run in Rummy could also be straight in poker. The source of the name started in a version called: ‘Whiskey poker’, later on become ‘Rom poker’, than ‘Rom’ and final name – ‘Rummy’.

The Chinese theory:

Another theory claimed that Rummy game came from China. In those years in China two card games were very popular and called: ‘Kanahoo’ and ‘Conqin’. Both games combined moves from the familiar games poker and Rummy. Since than other card games born and combined moves from those 2 popular games – poker and Rummy.

Later on the history of Rummy game we will find out that the most popular Rummy version these days is Gin Rummy that was invented in the early of the 20th century in New York and got this name from the local drinks in the bar – the Gin. The game become so popular that was shown played in many movies in Hollywood in the 30th years.

Lately, the game Rummy become to one of the most played home games, and breaks into the internet world so fast. You can play this game online every day any hour during the day against players from all around the world. Maybe we are witness to the history of Rummy game goes live again and become to the next hit of online games.